Monthly community magazine advertising trades and services plus local news, events, community groups and societies etc. delivered through the door to residents in the following areas of Cheltenham: Charlton Kings, Leckhampton, parts of Fairview, College/St Lukes, Montpellier, Lansdown, Christchurch, Tivoli, The Park, The Suffolks, parts of Hatherley.

The Cheltenham Directory has been published since 2005 but was previously 4 separate publications:

It’s been a gentle start to autumn so far – just the sort of weather to be out enjoying the parks and surrounding countryside. In my editor’s letter this month, I’ve written about the simple pleasure of walking and whether it should be prescribed on the NHS (it’s already happening!). The Cheltenham Residents Forum have written about their collective concerns on the Boot Corner closure plan, you can read more about how art therapy can help with various conditions, discover Cellphones, a local independent mobile phone provider and read how Lucinda Martin Spatial Design could give you a quick overview on whether your plans for home improvements are feasible or if there’s an affordable way to achieve your dream home.
I hope you find it helpful, informative and useful!

September is always a bit like new year – a time for getting back into routine after the holidays and getting on with sorting out jobs on the To Do list that have been on your mind for a while.

This month’s edition of The Cheltenham Directory may provide the answers or the inspiration you need with news of the Green Doors event (private homes opening to showcase environmentally friendly household features), a need-to-know on art therapy and how it might help you overcome emotional issues, as well as news of the popular free Connect Business event and the fantastically fun Cheltenham Hobgoblin Comedy Festival.

All that in addition to community news and What’s On events and all the trades and services you need.

If you’re trying to make your way around Cheltenham at the moment with all the diversions and roadworks, I feel your pain – see my editor’s letter on p4.

We’re all out for laughs this month as we preview the Hobgoblin Cheltenham Comedy Festival which is on in September – see p5.

Loads of big names from Pam Ayres to Al Murray. Don’t leave it too late to book as some events are sold out. There are also lots of local events in and around Cheltenham during August if you’re stuck for something to do – whether you want to make the most of a summer’s evening and listen to some open air music or find something to do indoors if the weather’s not so good. Plus news of a free local business event with workshops/talks and networking opportunities.

If you’d like a printed copy of the magazine you’ll find them in most shops along the Bath Road plus many other waiting rooms and reception areas in the Charlton Kings area.

This month, as we hurtle towards the summer holidays, I have a few ideas and tips if you are looking for ways to entertain your kids or even yourself, over the summer. Think of it as your guide to summer living in Cheltenham.

At Vale Kitchens (Andover Road), in Tivoli, they are celebrating the 25th year since they opened their Cheltenham showroom. As former clients told me, their kitchens are built to last. If you are considering getting a new kitchen their showroom is stunning and well worth a look.

Other things to check out this month – Kings Coffee Shop in Charlton Kings has a new summer menu, and for anyone who’s always wanted to develop their artistic skills, there’s news of new art classes starting for beginners and improvers plus a feature about getting help if you are struggling following the death of your pet. Plus all the local trades and lots more local news and information.

It’s June and time to run away and join the Circus for the summer. Or, if not that, then at least go and see the 2014 show from Giffords Circus. It’s in Cheltenham at the beginning of the month but it’s just as much fun going out to see it in any of the other Cotswold towns and villages it’s due to roll into. See my review of Giffords Circus, p5. Also at the beginning of the month, don’t forget to support you local shops during Buy Local Week from thebestofCheltenham (p6). On p7 you can read about a new service for people affected by the death of their pets. It’s a professional counselling service to help people come to terms with their loss. There’s news from your local councillor our regular column from Festival Law concerning employees who’ve suffered injuries in the workplace such as exposure to asbestos and hearing problems (see p9). There’s also news about how Cheltenham High Street shops did in the recent Which? survey on customer service and loads of June What’s On events in Cheltenham.

Whenever I find and use a good local service, I like to let people know about it and that is the case this month on a number of counts: in my letter I’ve written about using one of my advertisers, Sean Lewis (see ad p32), to create built-in cupboards and smart storage solutions in my sitting room; on p7 I have had a consultation with Lucinda Martin who advises on design ideas and the best use of space in your home and on p14 (for those who didn’t receive the magazine last month) I’ve written about my experiences of taking my dog to training with Sharron Salmon of SS 121. You’ll also find a bit of a pre-piece for the Charlton Kings Summer fete on 28th June (our publishing schedule means the Charlton Kings editions go out in May and July so this was the best time to get the word out) news from thebestofCheltenham about their Buy Local week, information about funding opportunities for community groups and two other “what’s on” events: Giffords Circus and The Cheltenham Science Festival.

Spring has sprung – and so have we, as you’ll see from the front cover! To get you in the mood for action, activity and the months ahead, check out the March edition of The Cheltenham Directory. There are plenty of new local services on offer in the Cheltenham area including dog training for dogs of all ages, domestic cleaning, window cleaning, life coaching and art therapy.

Local window company Stonehouse Corinium has news of their spring exhibition – your chance to see the quality and range of products they have, local author Rachel Cumming is featured, Vets on the Park has advice about cat neutering and a special offer and there’s a feature about how life coaching can help you if you need to improve your self confidence and get back on top of your life.

That’s all in addition to our regular features and updates from our local councillors and Martin Horwood MP, (who I’ve just heard being interviewed on Radio 4’s Today Programme).

This month it’s all about cheering you up. February can be a bit of a miserable month. The “New Year, new you” good intentions and fresh beginnings can start to lose their appeal and a grim reality can set in. Added to that it’s the coldest time of year with summer and holidays still a long way off. But never mind because The Cheltenham Directory can offer you 15 Great things to do this February – some of them in and around Cheltenham and some of them generic. There is news from Festival Law about tinnitus at work, Martin Horwood on the recent extreme weather and what this means for the policy makers and local news from your borough and county councillors. This month’s local magazine is also packed with new advertisers, tradespeople and services you may need for you, your family, your pets and your home.